Living with Diabetes: 4 Steps to Protect Your Kidney Health
March is National Kidney Month, an effort to raise awareness of kidney disease. People with diabetes are at elevated risk, but you can take steps to preserve your kidney health.
Does PCOS Go Away After Menopause?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results from a hormonal imbalance. Researchers continue to study the condition, but it appears that women with PCOS produce higher-than-average levels of androgens, a group of steroid hormones associated more with men.
Women in New York City can rely on Dr. Saka Kazeem and the team at Elk Medical for unparalleled care for PCOS, including accurate diagnostic services and customized treatment.
Understanding how menopause could affect your symptoms is a significant part of managing PCOS throughout life’s stages.
PCOS is a lifelong condition
Most women with PCOS begin experiencing symptoms in early adulthood, although they often aren’t diagnosed until much later.
Because PCOS presents a diverse set of symptoms, it isn’t always properly identified within the medical community. Fortunately, that’s changing as today’s practitioners receive more education and training on the condition.
Hormone fluctuations drive PCOS symptoms, which might include:
- Unusual hair growth on the face, chest, or other areas
- Acne
- Skin darkening
- Irregular periods
- Skin tags
- Thinning hair
- Infertility
This condition gets its name from the fact that some women with PCOS develop numerous cysts on their ovaries, which don’t always cause symptoms. Not all women with PCOS develop ovarian cysts.
It’s not uncommon for women to live with PCOS for years without knowing. Infertility is often the first sign, detected during an ultrasound.
PCOS also makes your system less responsive to insulin, which can lead to high blood sugar, in turn elevating the production of male hormones even higher.
How does menopause affect PCOS?
Menopause is the transition out of your childbearing years. It typically begins around age 50; some women reach menopause earlier or later.
As you enter menopause, your body naturally produces less estrogen. That leads to a hormonal imbalance that drives virtually all menopausal symptoms.
Both PCOS and menopause affect hormonal balances, but they do so in ways that don’t offset each other. That means you can experience PCOS symptoms even as you move through menopause.
Managing PCOS and menopause symptoms
Every woman’s menopause experience is unique, and that’s especially true for women who also have PCOS. Managing both conditions can help you regain or maintain stability and minimize disruptive symptoms.
Medication can help with issues such as excess hair growth, vaginal dryness, and painful sex. Hormone replacement therapy is a good fit for some women with PCOS.
Women who choose HRT should work with a practitioner who carefully monitors their response to treatment and who can adjust the therapy as needed.
Many women with PCOS are also overweight or obese. If that’s your situation, working toward a healthy weight is one of the best ways to manage both PCOS and menopause symptoms. We can work with you to develop a plan that features enhanced nutrition and increased exercise.
Improving sleep quality is another key factor for women in menopause, including those with PCOS. We can assess your current sleep habits and help you get the rest you need to thrive.
Don’t let anxiety over PCOS make menopause worse
Menopause is often a challenge for women, a time to focus on giving your body the support it needs. If you’re concerned about how PCOS may impact your menopause journey, reach out to the team here at Elk Medical.
To schedule your visit, call our office in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn or make an make an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Important Ways Cholesterol Management Supports Heart Health
February is American Heart Month, an opportunity to focus on heart health. Managing cholesterol is a key step, and we’re here to show you how to take control of your cholesterol in 2026.
New Year, New You: 3 Ways We Can Help You Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals
As we enter the new year, many of us are contemplating how to enhance our health and wellness. If you’re overweight or obese, reaching a healthier weight is one of the most important changes you can make. We can help.
Give Yourself the Gift of a Healthier You This Holiday Season
As the holidays approach, are there things about your health you’d like to change? You don’t have to wait until the new year to embark on a journey toward healthier living. Let’s look at ways you can get started now.
Debunking 4 Common Myths About Diabetes
A great deal of misinformation circulates about diabetes, making it hard for people to understand the best ways to manage the condition. Let’s take a look at four common myths about diabetes and how you can stay healthy.
5 Telltale Signs of a Thyroid Problem You Shouldn't Ignore
Thyroid problems cause symptoms that mimic other conditions. Here are five changes that deserve your attention, because they could indicate a thyroid issue.